Emollient

Palmitic Acid

Natural C16 fatty acid is the most common fatty acid in human skin sebum. Palmitic acid is found in most vegetable oils, softens the skin, and is a natural building block of ceramides.

fatty acidC16sebumceramides

⚠ Use with Caution

Comedogenic Rating

2/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Palmitic Acid (hexadecanoic acid, C16:0) — a saturated fatty acid with 16 carbon atoms. The most common fatty acid in palm oil and one of the most important in skin sebum (~25%). It is part of ceramide 1 and ceramide 4. In INCI: Palmitic Acid.

A natural component of sebaceous glands that replenishes the skin's lipid profile. Found in most vegetable oils. Emollient and precursor of ceramides.

Key Benefits

✦

Natural component of sebum and ceramides

Comprises ~25% of the fatty acids in sebum and is part of ceramide 1 and 4 — essential lipids for a healthy stratum corneum.

◈

Softening and barrier support

Replenishes the natural lipid profile of the skin, strengthens the intercellular cement of the stratum corneum, and reduces transepidermal water loss.

✧

Stable antioxidant emollient

Saturated C16 chain is resistant to oxidation — provides stable skin softening without rancidity or formation of aggressive peroxides.

Suitable for

suitable for all skin typesdry and mature skin

Main Actions

✓ softening✓ barrier restoration✓ support of ceramides✓ occlusion

Palm oil vs palmitic acid

Palmitic Acid is a specific molecule C16:0. Palm oil is a source of palmitic acid (~44%), but also contains oleic, linoleic, and others. A manufacturer may list palmitic acid in the composition even if another oil (e.g., coconut or rice) is used from which palmitic acid is extracted.

CategoryEmollients

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